When the Los Angeles Rams traded away Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings, they made a huge bet on Kyren Williams being able to handle workhorse role in the backfield.
Williams has dealt with multiple injuries during his young NFL career, so there were concerns about how well he’d be able to hold up. However, Williams has gone above and beyond expectations as he’s established himself as a real dual-threat and is a large reason why the Rams are in the playoff mix.
The second-year back has been efficient on the ground when he gets the football and in Los Angeles’ win against the New Orleans Saints he turned 22 carries into 104 rushing yards and one touchdown. The rushing totals pushed Williams over the 1,000 rushing yard mark, an incredible accomplishment for him given he was highly-touted as a pass catcher coming out of Notre Dame.
While Williams is happy about the accomplishment, he mentioned how meaningful it is because of his teammates and that he’s looking to tack on more yards, via Stu Jackson of TheRams.com:
“I think it means more to me because I’m able to share it with my teammates, because it’s been a grind,” Williams said of crossing 1,000 rushing yards this season. “It’s been a grind from (training camp in) Irvine to where we are now, it’s been a long grind and we’re coming together. We’re gelling as an offense, as a whole team playing complementary football. So it’s been fun. Getting 1,000 yards, that was my goal, but I’m not satisfied. I’m going to go get a lot more. Just gotta keep playing ball with my friends.”
To have a 1,000-yard rushing season is quite the feat in its own right, but it’s even more impressive considering Williams missed four games with a high-ankle sprain. Since coming back from the injury, Williams has been on a tear as he’s been able to churn out yards no matter the defensive coverage.
Sean McVay has been able to open up more of the playbook because of the running efficiency, and there’s no signs of Williams stopping his production. Los Angeles can continue to solidify their postseason odds with a win against the New York Giants in Week 16 and Williams should be an integral part of the game plan.
Sean McVay says Puka Nacua would get his vote for Offensive Rookie of the Year
Aside from Williams, Puka Nacua is a large reason for the team’s recent success and McVay said the rookie would get his vote for OROY.
